Blue Rough Sapphire from Madagascar 4.99 carats – 11x9 mm

Blue sapphire is a type of gemstone, predominantly blue in color. It is popular in jewelry and has been used by royal families for centuries. The name "sapphire" comes from the Greek word "sapphiros", meaning "blue". 

Sapphires have long been considered precious stones of nobility and elegance, and they have often been used to decorate jewelry in European royal families since the Middle Ages. In recent years, sapphires have become increasingly common in the sale of colored gemstones, and interest in them continues to grow.

When estimating the value of a natural blue sapphire, the most important element is the color. Although hue also matters, the closer to pure blue the better, so saturation is more important. Sapphires of the highest quality have a bright saturation. Tone is also an important factor. Dark sapphires are too common and do not reach high prices. When evaluating the quality factors of a sapphire, both saturation and tone must be taken into account.

Although blue sapphires are mined in a wide variety of locations around the world, the best quality stones are mined in Sri Lanka and Kashmir. These stones are usually very small, which also causes their high price.

Apart from its rarity and beauty, blue natural sapphire is also one of the hardest gemstones, making it ideal for use in jewelry that will be worn daily. If you are looking for a truly unique and special piece of jewelry, blue sapphire is a great choice, especially for wedding rings after the popularity of Princess Diana's ring.

As a rule, inclusions reduce the price of sapphire in the jewelry industry. If the inclusion worsens the strength of the stone, the price drops significantly. However, sometimes inclusions can enhance the value of some sapphires. Many of the most valuable Kashmiri sapphires contain tiny inclusions that give the stone a velvety surface. These inclusions diffuse the light, creating the desired visual effects without affecting the purity of the stone.